Meredith Rotary Club
August 30th Rotary Meeting
Meeting Open and Guests
Wendy convened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. She introduced the guests and potential new members: Bill and Julienne Gilchrest. She led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Dan led the prayer.
Announcements
- Wendy made announcements about the Stone Dam project being completed, according to Ron Maher (Gary has photos).
- The Page Pond Project will hopefully be completed by 9/1, according to Tim, as the Ambrose Brothers are now working on it. Also, Tim spoke about completing the viewing platform at the Page Pond Project.
- John Moulton described the dinner as wraps, sandwiches, chips, and cookies.
Happy Dollars
- Jim McFarlin for Bob Ambrose and Jim’s recent " experience” at Fenway Park.
- Paul Speltz offered Happy Dollars for five days of sun.
- Dan offered Happy Dollars for his warning occurrence at the Meredith railroad tracks.
- Joia Brancato offered Happy Dollars, celebrating the purchase of a new car and a new house.
- Tim offered Happy Dollars for the progress being made on the viewing platform.
- Ray Moritz won the raffle.
Program
Jim McFarlin spoke about the Meredith Cemetery and the chain link fence needing to be replaced (see the picture in the meeting notice) and introduced Bob Ambrose, Sr.
Bob spoke about the cemetery's history and the chain link fence having replaced the wrought iron fence (erected 100 years ago) when the town took over the cemetery 30 years ago.
Bob spoke about the serenity and respect the cemetery deserves, as buried there are veterans of many wars, and he described the cemetery as Meredith’s Arlington Cemetery. He said that Ben Franklin once said: "Show me your cemetery, which tells me about your town."
Bob said that the interior of the cemetery was fine. The replacement fence would be an aluminum fence, the best alternative, constructed in two phases with 700 linear feet being
constructed on Rte. 3 for approximately $55,000, and the second phase costs approximately $60,000. Volunteers could save money by removing the current fencing and leaving the concrete in the ground.
Bob encouraged the Rotary to step up to support the project, perhaps with others, including the town. There was discussion of grants and other funds. Heidi thought this could be a significant project for Rotary, looking to Fred. Jim thought this should be a community effort.
Bob said the project did not include the front gate, which is crumbling in parts, but that will be a future project. There was a discussion of fencing companies and the many World War II families buried there. While there was no formal vote, the members thanked Bob for his presentation and supported the project.
Wendy led the 4 Way test, and the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
John King
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